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Contents on this page were published in the June, 1993 edition of the Washington Free Press.
WFP, 1463 E. Republican #178, Seattle, WA -USA, 98112. -- WAfreepress@gmail.com
Copyright © 1993 WFP Collective, Inc.
From its inception in 1976, the Center has been introducing our maritime past to troubled teenagers - people who normally would find such experiences out of reach.
Founded to preserve and pass on the area's small-craft heritage, the Center was built with the help of privately donated money and materials and by hard-working volunteers. The outfit, located at the southern tip of Lake Union in Seattle, now attracts more than 50,000 visitors a year.
Helping Hands on Deck
The Center's roots extend back to the deck of founder and director Dick Wagner's houseboat. Wagner, an architect by trade, owned and restored small wooden boats as a hobby. In the summer of 1968, he and his wife Colleen started renting out their boat to neighbors and friends. What was intended to be just summer recreation for the Wagner family and their friends became a year-round operation by the end of 1969.
By 1975, the Wagner houseboat was the local hangout for people interested in restoring and operating small craft on Lake Union. Many came not only for free advice, but also for free beer and food. "If there was only a way to organize these freeloaders," Colleen Wagner remembers thinking at the time, "they could do anything."
Over the years, that band of freeloaders has accomplished quite a bit for themselves and for the Center. Among their better ideas: inviting some of Seattle's troubled teenagers out on the water and teach them how to sail. Center staff and volunteers have been reaching out to youths not able to take advantage of social and recreational opportunities available to others.
The Wagners can't say what happens to a person when they are out on the water. But no one questions the benefits of such an experience for the kids of the Seattle Mental Health Institute and the Orion Center, which cares for at-risk teens.
Something special happens to a person when out on the water, especially in small craft. "You are so disconnected from everything, the phone and streets and cars," explained Leslie Oldham, a staffer at the center. "All that is left is your connection to the water and the elements of life."
Therapy at Sea
Most people believe that when a child exhibits "bad" behavior, that behavior is a reaction to what the child has learned. Out on the water, life takes on a different color. The calming effect is very strong, and, judging by the reaction of the teens, unmistakably real.
Whether or not the kids who visit the Center ponder any higher goals or spiritual enlightenment is immaterial. But they always start off saying the same thing: "It's fun." Most of these kids wouldn't normally characterize work and learning as fun. But at the Center they are learning practical skills, and they learn them quickly. And, perhaps most importantly, they know they are learning; they can see their accomplishments and they feel good about it.
"It's great," says 14-year-old Ramone, who sailed at the Center on a recent sunny day. "I'm learning how to sail and what to do."
Wagner feels strongly about what the Center has to offer these kids. "You can see right away that they have gained something by being here." With that realization, Wagner has opened the Center to kids who normally wouldn't have a chance to experience water and sailing. They are reaping the benefits such an experience brings.
A dynamic, idea-driven place, the Center continuously tries to broaden its scope by expanding its programs and resources. Volunteers are welcome. The Center is wheelchair-accessible and sponsors special weekend outings for those with physical handicaps.
The Center for Wooden Boats is a nonprofit, privately funded organization. Anyone interested in becoming a member, donating their money or time, or finding out more are encouraged visit the Center, at 1010 Valley St., Seattle 98109. Or call the Wagners at (206) 382-BOAT.
White Hats is a regular feature of the Washington Free Press open to the presentation and discussion of non-profit and other agencies in Washington making a contribution to the common good. Readers are encouraged to suggest organizations to be featured.
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